Nottingham High Northstars

HAMILTON -- Jon Adams has a great feeling about his offense and a pretty good feeling about the defense.

If those feelings pan out, it could be anywhere from a good to great season for Nottingham.

"We had three really good scrimmages, particularly on the offensive side," said Adams, who is now in his 21st season. "We've shown big-play ability that we knew we had, and we've also had a good mixture of run and pass. We've been getting better, playing better defensively, and we're pretty pleased with the work ethic of the young men.

"Since the middle of last year we knew if we could play better on defense we could do well. We feel we'll be strong this year if we play well on defense."

The Northstars, coming off a 3-7 campaign, return a number of defensive starters who endured some growing pains last year.

Senior tackle Reggie Lochard anchors the defensive line after ranking among the league leaders in sacks last year. "He just has to play better against the run, he knows that," Adams said. Also on the line is junior end Dennis "Manster" Hernandez. "He's part man, part monster, he's gotten stronger and a whole lot faster and he might play some offense. He can do a lot of things for us." Adams said.

Senior Ken Aboasu will start for the third straight year at linebacker. "He's the strongest guy on our team," Adams said. "He's a workout warrior and he brings the wood. He loves to hit." Joining Aboasu as 'backers are juniors Kyle James and Stuart Hasty and sophomore McGovern Gabriel.

Senior Andy Vital returns at one safety while senior Stephenson Auguste is at the other. Seniors Damien Haynes and Sean Evert are the backups. Senior Martor Woodson and junior Makiah Patterson-Brown are both experienced at cornerback, while juniors Marquis Purnell and Troy Scales will also rotate in.

Offensively, Nottingham needs to replace quarterback Mark Newlin, but Adams doesn't seem too concerned. Junior Esayah Abado, who stands at 6-2, 180 pounds, takes over and Adams said "He's going to have a big year or us. A huge year."

Abado will have Mercer County's top receiver to throw to as senior flanker Robert Wiggs returns after monster 2009 season. In three scrimmages this year Wiggs could not be held down. Other receivers are senior split end Chris Burton -- "one of the hardest working kids in the program," -- senior Luke Figueroa and junior Ayoub Kamara. Senior tight end Adam Devigili, an All-County pick, is also back to help as a receiver and blocker.

The offensive line returns three starters, including junior center Matt Hedden, who has started since his freshman year. Also back are juniors Zach Baker (right tackle) and Patterson (right guard), while seniors Tom Davidson (left guard) and Pat Swisher (left tackle) return after missing last year due to injuries. Providing depth on the line are Michael Ziegler, Robbie Liedtka, Cappiello, Aaron Levinson and Aaron Comacho.

The running backs are senior fullback Tommy "The Tank" Ingram and senior tailback Robert Pressley Harris, who combines speed and size (6-1, 220). Also in the backfield is Vital, who was the team's leading rusher early last year before being used almost exclusively on defense due to injuries. Freshman Wroway Williams could also get some carries.

Nottingham gets underway Saturday against Hamilton Township rival Steinert. Both teams are in the Valley Division of the new West Jersey Football League, along with Hamilton West, Hightstown and Lawrence.

Adams feels this will be a bounce back year for the 'Stars.

"We were disappointed with our record, it was unacceptable to be 3-7," he said. "As a coach and players, we thought we could have done a lot better. When you look at film and the outcome, with the exception of two games, we were in every game and had a chance to win.

"We could have made some things happen in a few games, we just didn't get it done. This year, if the defense comes around, that will be the key."